You've probably heard about ISIS (Islamic state of Iraq and Syria) or the Islamic State but just in case here is some brief background.
Though the extremist terrorist group the IS has existed in one form or another since 2004, little was heard from them until several prominent jihadist groups joined their ranks in 2013 amid the insanity of the Syrian Cilvi War. Since then ISIS has taken control of large areas in Northern Syria, and Northern Iraq creating a self proclaimed Caliphate recognizing no boarders.
To learn a hell of a lot more about ISIS watch the amazing Vice News documentary The Islamic State on Youtube.
Today in downtown Toronto I came across two young Muslims fighting the stigmatizing messages of ISIS in front of city hall.
Zagid Rafique and his friend who declined being identified, are members of the same mosque and took it upon themselves to defend Islam in the streets of Toronto.
General secretary for the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada Toronto chapter, Zagid is on a 48 hour hunger strike to bring more attention to the atrocities ISIS is committing in the name of Islam. He told me the response from passers by so far had been good.
When I asked Zagrid's friend why it was important for them to be out on the streets of Toronto, she told me ISIS threatens people worldwide, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and more people need to know that. Furthermore the Islamic State breaks tenants essential to Islam, "These people are murderers, this is not our religion!"
Zagrid has contacted several local media outlets, but by late afternoon today no one had come by he told me, "We will see what happens tomorrow."